The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has been revealed, with UK deliveries confirmed to begin before the end of 2022. A new version of what’s become Mercedes-Benz’ best-selling car around the globe, it is a notable arrival in the ever-growing premium SUV sector.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC family SUV is a rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, amongst many others. The company has spared no effort in ensuring this new model, which replaces the original 2015 version, is fully fighting fit to take on the competition. It even boasts a fully-electrified engine line-up, with a choice of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid motors.
From the outside, it’s an evolution of today’s super-successful Mercedes-Benz GLC, rather than being a radical reinvention. The appealing lines are classy and perfectly judged, and we like the new LED lights that now extend into the radiator grille, making it look wider: this is how you’ll spot new and old GLC at-a-glance.
Inside though, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC really is that – all-new. The curved, wing-shaped dashboard features two high-resolution floating digital displays, as part of the MBUX infotainment system. The central screen is a huge 12.3-inches, and offers a cutting-edge array of new technology, including a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. You can even now choose augmented reality sat nav, where a live video of where you’re driving is overlayed with sat nav directions.
Overall interior space is similar to before; the Mercedes-Benz GLC was already roomy and accommodating front and rear. But the boot has grown significantly, gaining 70 litres to boast an overall 620-litre capacity (the battery of the plug-in hybrids does take it back down to 470 litres, though).
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Avantgarde is the new entry-level version – not that it is lacking in any equipment, with the full-format digital screens, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats and electric tailgate amongst the standard features. As before, Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG Line versions are expected to prove popular, particularly here in the UK: they now have more body-colour trim on the outside than before.
All new Mercedes-Benz GLC have 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed 9G-Trionic automatic gearbox. All models also use four-cylinder turbo engines. Mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines will be the first to arrive, late in 2022, with plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel versions coming in early 2023.
In the UK, the best-selling version will be the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic. This 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 197PS, and returns 54.3mpg, despite decent 0-62mph acceleration of 8.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic has 269PS, with 0-62mph taking 6.3 seconds – and it can still average over 50mpg.
There are two 2.0-litre petrol mild hybrids, too. The 204PS Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4Matic can average 38.6mpg; the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic matches it for fuel economy (and 167g/km CO2 emissions), while the 0-62mph acceleration time falls to 6.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4Matic is the first of three plug-in hybrids, pairing a 2.0-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery. With 313PS, 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds; the more expensive Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic has 381PS for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. They both emit just 12g/km CO2. The diesel plug-in hybrid, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300de 4Matic, is even more impressive, emitting just 10g/km CO2. Boasting 335PS, 0-62mph takes 6.4 seconds.
All Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in hybrid models have a pure electric range of up to almost 80 miles, thanks to a large-capacity 31.2kWh battery. They can be recharged using a 60kW DC charger in just half an hour.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC prices are expected to start from around £50,000. The current model starts from around £45,000, but the new one has more tech as standard – not least that striking new digital interior. Ordering is due to open in the next few months.
